UCLA starting LB injured in scooter accident

Posted by Ben Kercheval on September 27, 2012, 2:02 PM EDT

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Oh, those football players with their rap music and scooters.

Because of the latter, UCLA starting linebacker Jordan Zumwalt will miss this weekend’s game against Colorado. According to coach Jim Mora — as we noted yesterday, media was allowed back at practice today after a blow-up by Mora Wednesday — Zumwalt was involved in a scooter accident this week that required “a lot of stitches” to his head. The result of the stitches meant Zumwalt was unable to wear a football helmet.

“He’s got the week off, and we’re hopeful and confident that he can be back next week,” Mora said. “He was not being reckless. It was just an accident that happened just off campus.”

Zumwalt was fifth on the team in tackles this season. In his absence, inside linebacker Damien Holmes will move over to the OLB spot.

“The thing you miss when Jordan is not out there is his energy,” Mora said. “He just plays with maniacal effort all the time but somebody else has to do that and that’s what we’re trying to preach.”

In all seriousness, however, it’s good to hear that Zumwalt will be okay.